The Throne Room
#21
Posted 24 March 2007 - 10:57 PM
"I can't... When... she wakes up she'll have questions, and I don't have answers." Chenoan said. "And my home... isn't..." Chenoan remembered the blood stains on his bed, along with the general deadness of the place, Chenoan didn't want to go there right now. He didn't want to be alone...
Chenoan was so vulnerable right now. His emotions were raw and tattered, and even his mind was prone. From the moment he'd transported away from Sacha, his mental barrier had started dissipating, and now it was totally gone. A young blue dragon could learn all they wanted from him if they wanted.
Subconsciously, Chenoan called out to Xanth. "Don't leave me..." Chenoan had been alone for so long, forced into solitude by his own walls, it was time to break them down.
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#22 ••Sentients
Posted 25 March 2007 - 02:07 AM
The moment Chenoan dissapeared from his attack, along with Dora in his arms, Sacha let loose a visious roar, skidding to a halt and scanning the room for where he could have gone. Of course, the Aide could just leave the room, but if he didn't, then Sacha would find him. He'd find him and hurt him. As it was, his fur stood high along his spine, his eyes dialiated, nails out, ready to meet flesh.
Hearing Xanth's voice, Sacha eyed her tenderly. He seemed to always be treading water with the goddess, but surly no more than his black relitive. At least he didn't attack random strangers. This... this was for a cause. Surly she had to know that. Even with the knowledge that she was fine, Sacha wanted to see for himself. As much as he wanted to rip the Avian to shreads, he knew Xanth would never allow him within range, and he didn't want to risk being teleported away. As of right now, he was already defying her wishes... and he'd be scolded for it. But he wanted to see Dora, and he'd damn well try.
Walking up to the Avian, he kept his vocals to himself, but if looks could kill... well, they can, but he didn't posess such power. Tearing his eyes away from the Aide, Sacha lowered his head to nudge Dora's hand. A soft pur came to his throat as he lifted his muzzle to the Nymphs face. Gently, his tongue stroked the girls cheek, as he sent her his love, and wishes to wake.
#23
Posted 25 March 2007 - 02:44 AM
As it were however, Nymphadora only knew of her horrible day up until before she let go of Kiril. Fluttering open her eyes, Nymphadora's vision cleared to see Sacha hovering over her. A soft smile spread on her lips as she reached out to her friend. Hey there. She cooed, letting her hand glide over the cheetahs head, pausing to scratch behind his ear, then under his chin.
Realizing that she wasn't... well, alone, that someone was holding her, Nymphadora turned to see Chenoan. Love filled her heart as she looked into his eyes. Seeing his face... his tears, Nymphadora felt her heart surge. After what happened to her... after she'd told him she wanted time, it seemed like her life just, got bad. She wasn't a good friend, wasn't a good Aide. Chenoan... he was the missing link. With him, she... well, he was all she needed.
Feeling her own eyes well up, Nymphadora reached her hand to the nape of Chenoan's neck, and brought him down as she pushed herself up. Locking lips with his firmly, she kissed him with a kiss that clearly said "yes". And if it didn't, her mind projected it toward his.
Chenoan replied, but it was moved to the High School
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#24 ••Sentients
Posted 25 March 2007 - 06:07 AM
(Ooc: Continued from HS. Basically, heavy make out session between Dora and Chen)
Sacha's purr grew when Dora's fingers filtered through his fur, scratching him in all his favorite spots. His tail softly swayed back and forth, all thoughts of the Avian out of his mind. He was able to see his Nymph was ok, and still so loving. Opening his had been closed eyes, Sacha watched as Dora leaned over to the Aide and kissed him. Really, he had no clue what this ment. He'd never seen it, obviously never experienced it. But he did know it was affection. Affection that should be given to him.
Stepping back slightly upset, he sat down, only to watch the Avian take their exchange a step further. Eyes growing wide as what could only be considered a mauling in his eyes, Sacha's purr quickly fadded and turned into a low growl. When the Nymph recipicated, he'd had it. His tail twitching madly behind him, Sacha lunged forward with his teeth bared, ready to latch onto the shifters rear end, all his nails ready to tear flesh.
Chen replied again but got booted to the high school (again). He poofed himself and Dora away from the temple after being claw-raked by Sacha.
#25 ••Sentients
Posted 25 March 2007 - 09:58 PM
Sacha let loose a nasty roar when his target moved, then poofed from sight. Skidding on the floor, the bloos from his nails hittting Cheoan causing a streak along it, he looked around wildly for the Aide. Seeing nothing this time, Sacha's tail twitched unhappily behind him as he sulked.
Nothin he could do, Sacha prowled out the the temple, growling to himself the entire way out. not once did he look at Xanth for fear of what would come of it. He headed toward the portal, ready to bug someone, let off some steam.
#26
Posted 26 March 2007 - 12:18 PM
"Well, what can I say....it's certainly never dull around here." Miko commented, trying to lighten the mood. He was intrigued by the actions of Chenoan. He'd made little effort to fight back against the creature, and had simply taken the attack, no question asked, in an attempt to ensure Dora's safety.
"I assume that's our nymph's noble protector?" Miko asked, although he already knew the answer. He wasn't bothered particularly-he and Dora were worls apart, he knew that. But was this aide suitable for her? Miko wasn't sure, but knew it wasn't his place to judge. All the same, a big-brother type instinct seemed to have kicked in. If the guy made trouble for Dora....well. It wouldn't be wise.
Set by Emma
#27
Posted 26 March 2007 - 12:29 PM
Groaning with relief as Sacha and the amorous pair left the Temple, Xanth turned to Miko and grinned at his words. Remind me to zap whoever said the age of romance was dead. She should have zapped Sacha, in all honesty, for disobeying her. She treated all her pets as sentient beings and they lived a life of luxury but it was on the understanding that her word was law. He had disobeyed that law and in doing so risked beginning a mutiny in the gardens. As he was merely protecting someone he cared about, however, she was willing to let him get away with it as long as he did not incite the others to do the same. Besides, she had been tempted to injure Chenoan a few times herself.
Brightening suddenly as she shook off the confusion of the last few moments, Xanth wrapped her hands around Miko's arm and leaned against him, slowly morphing into a pretty blonde in street clothes. The only sign that it was still her was the purple amethyst stones set into her necklace and ear studs. I fear I know where the nearest pub is. Care to escort me?
#28
Posted 26 March 2007 - 01:11 PM
"It would be a pleasure." He assured her, taking in her newly morphed form with a smile. The skill she had to change her appearance but still remain herself never failed to amaze him. He could break boulders with his hands and had even been knwon to breathe fire, but the simple subtelty of Xanth's actions impressed him more than any of his own talents. Still, if he had such a power he doubted he'd use it with the same flair that the goddess did. Feeling her arm on his, Miko slowly squeezed his eyes shut and they were away.
Set by Emma
#29
Posted 15 April 2007 - 06:32 AM
Sadly, Xanth seemed to like tricks. hopefully she'd make an exception in this case though. All this anger inside of Chenoan... it didn't feel right, and he wanted to be rid of it. Hopefully Xanth would be able to do that. She was the only one who Chenoan could even hope would be able to.
It made the Shapeshifter sad to remember how jealous he'd become so soon after consummating his relationship with Dora. He loved her so much, yet he couldn't seem to trust her. He couldn't seem to trust anyone lately. He wanted, no needed to rectify that. "Xanth... can we talk... please?" Chenoan said, timidly. He hadn't had fear towards this woman ever, but not knowing what was happening to him... scared him, It scared him to realize that he'd pushed everyone out of his life. Secluded himself. Hidden from those he cared about, and those who cared about him. He couldn't do it anymore... but he needed answers.
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#30
Posted 18 April 2007 - 10:52 PM
Xanth considered ignoring him. Not simply because he had done everything in his power to ignore her in the past - even on her worse days, she would not ignore an Aide in need for personal reasons - but because she was just not in the mood. She had been trying to call her brother, Yaziz, since that night in the pub. So far he had ignored her and while logically she could only assume it was too dangerous for him to answer her calls right now, she could not help but be upset. Yaziz was the only member of her family - her entire race, discounting Danae, who was little more than an enemy - she had been able to contact since fleeing from her homeland and having him ignore her was as if her last ties to Tanakheim had been broken.
Yet she did not ignore Chenoan. It was unusual for him to seek her out, certainly not for her advice - she was, to him, nothing more than a petty, spoiled child so why would he ask her opinion? She was not about to pass up this opportunity, though even she could not fully understand why she would bother.
Slowly morphing as she fluttered away from the orchids, she came to stand behind him, her wings in full view and trailing delicately along the marble floor as she moved. Chenoan. What can I do for you?
#31
Posted 19 April 2007 - 09:52 PM
Turning around, Chenoan found himself looking up into Xanth's eyes. She was quite the intimidater. Chenoan found himself inable to look away from Xanth's eyes for a moment. It was like he was frozen in place for a short while. Regaining his composure Chenoan looked down and shook his head slightly as if to stave off the minor dizziness he had begun to feel. "Xanth... I want to apologize for how I've acted." He said as he continued to avert his gave from the woman's face. He wasn't sure why he'd acted how he did... he was just so angry... trying to explain the reasons was near impossible for him, but hopefully Xanth would understand.
Chenoan turned away from Xanth and slowly walked to one of the pillars. "I... need to know. I need to know why you picked me... why you forced me to become an aide." Chenoan said slowly. He wanted to know the answers to the questions he had swimming in his head so badly, no matter what those answers were.
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#32
Posted 21 April 2007 - 12:53 PM
Xanth... I want to apologize for how I've acted.
Glancing at him sideways as she moved around the dais, still trailing sparkles as her fingertips glanced off the marble platform, she arched an eyebrow but said nothing. She wanted him to squirm. She had given him the world, after all - and not just this one, but all the worlds she had created. She had made him immortal and powerful beyond his wildest dreams and while it came with the price of serving her, she was not unduly demanding. Yet he had chafed and wriggled like a worm on a hook, refusing to see anything but the fact that she had forced it upon him. And still she had been patient and it was only now, when her patience was coming to an end, that he thought to apologise. Still, she chose to believe his apology was genuine.
I... need to know. I need to know why you picked me... why you forced me to become an aide.
Coming around the dais on the other side, Xanth paused. Now, that was a kettle of fish she would rather not open. How could she explain her reasoning so that he would understand? Even she could not always fully interpret the appeal of an Aide. She had made mistakes in the past but thankfully only Dimitri had really made her regret her choices. She had questioned her decision for Chenoan but she had never regretted making him an Aide, only the way she had done so. Perhaps he was not as ready as she had thought but she did not honestly believe that.
Many reasons, she told him vaguely, finally climbing the dais to sit on her throne. Purple sparks still bounced across the marble floor in her wake, floating with the air current. Each of the Aides is unique. They each have strengths that set them apart and make them useful in different ways. Dazadi, for example, able to kill without remorse and without question. Kiril may seem as if he has not a care in the world but he is my best negotiator. I think you know why Nymphadora was invited to the Temple, yes? And Namiko... He is pure, undiluted honour. There was more, of course, far more. Each of the Aides had worked hard to better themselves and even if they did not show it, they all cared. Not only for individuals, but the entirety of Elysia. They would each die for the good of their people and this land.
Your strength, the reason I chose you? She lifted a shoulder in a lazy half-shrug, settling back against her throne as if she could care less. You cared what happened to your people, Chenoan. You tried to help each one of them individually, no matter how it affected you. That is why I wanted you. He had lost his way, perhaps. Being an Aide... he saw too much of the bigger picture now and had forgotten that the picture was made up of smaller parts. Perhaps it would do him good to be reminded of that, though Xanth doubted she would be the one to help him. He did not trust her enough. Perhaps it was unwise to force you. Perhaps I should have let you come to me of your own free will - but can you honestly say you would have chosen this life had I given you a choice?
#33
Posted 30 April 2007 - 01:36 AM
"No.... I wouldn't have." He said quietly. "Especially not if I'd known that I would lose my position as the Therian Sentinel....." Chenoan spoke very softly as he turned to look at Xanth. "Why... why did I have to lose a position that I worked so hard for? It... was the only thing I was good at." Chenoan's eyes dropped once again. Chenoan felt useless now, even with so much power he'd been unable to protect Dora in the gorge, and in the forest. He was a failure at everything. But the position he'd held... he'd cherished it. He was good at it too. At least, he though he was. He wasn't too sure of anything anymore.
Slowly his hand slid down the pillar as he slumped to his knees. His hand caught hold off some of the ivy as it traveled downwards, ripping it from it's position on the stone. A soft, floral scent wafted into the air as the plant was ripped apart slowly. Chenoan sighed slightly as he rested on the ground. His rage had now pattered out and was replaced with mild depression. Depression that was growing by the minute.
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#34
Posted 30 April 2007 - 03:24 AM
A blast of air so hot it could have singed metal erupted from Xanth, exploding the oil in the gold dish next to her and shrivelling up the orchids overhead. For a hint of a second, her face was a grotesque mask, fangs bared as her eyes glowed with rage.
And then it was gone. The air sucked back into her quickly enough that all Chenoan would feel was brief discomfort. At least until Xanth spoke, her voice dripping with anger. You lost that job not because of anything I did to you. You let your own anger dictate your actions that day, Chenoan Cirocco, and sooner or later you will take responsibility. She had blackmailed him into this new life because she had thought him beyond such petty feuds but even after losing his well-earned position he had gone after Kaida Tanili with a vengeance. He had beaten her near death and to hear that even now, guilty as he felt, he was still blaming Xanth...
Few things could bring Xanth to true anger, the kind that made her want to destroy, the kind that revealed things she had no wish to reveal. Blaming her for things she had not done was one of them. Yes, even she made mistakes and ill-judged decisions but she always admitted them, if only to herself. She was not going to stand idly by while Chenoan blamed her for this on top of the things she had done.
I am done speaking with you, she snapped, her voice calmer though only because she made it so. You may return when you have accepted responsibility for your own actions and not before.
#35
Posted 02 May 2007 - 12:17 AM
It had been awhile since she'd seen or spoke with Xanth. Although none of the other Aide's seemed keen on 'checking in', Nymphadora wanted to make it a regular habit. Sometimes someone can need you, without being able to ask you. Or perhaps, she just might want the company. Nymphadora or Xanth.
Making her way to the portal, Nymphadora materialized just before entering the portal, pausing for Sacha to catch up. Once he landed and tucked in his massive wings, Nymphadora smiled, and reached out a hand to stroke his head. Sacha had been such a good friend over the past few months... they'd come to know each other in and out. For better or worse. There was no doubt in her mind that he was her familiar, and they had destined to meet. Which meant she'd been destined to become an Aide.
Sucking in a breath of pure content, she moved forward through the portal with Sacha right at her heels. The moment she entered the throne room however, the tension she felt nearly knocked her back. Eyes widening as she looked from Chenoan to Xanth, Nymphadora crossed her arms, hugging her ribcage protectively. Looking from one to the other, she wondered if she should interrupt... or... inquire what was going on. If it had been anything other than personal, surely the other Aides would have felt it, as well as herself. Glancing down at Sacha, her eyes widened even more as she saw him carefully make his way toward Xanth, his eyes boring down on Chenoan. Biting her lower lip, Nymphadora clicked at him softly to return, but he didn't listen. His scruff was raised and his claws were out, gently clicking on the marble floor. When he came up to Xanth, a low growl emitted from his throat as he took a stance between her and Chenoan.
Seeing how protective Sacha was, Nymphadora felt proud. But as the same time, Sacha seemed to genuinely dislike Chenoan. And if they were to be married... that would have to change. She didn't know how. Furrowing her brow because she knew Sacha had heard her, Nymphadora hissed. Sacha! In a low whisper.
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#36
Posted 02 May 2007 - 01:15 AM
In the midst of the hum, she honed in on Nymphadora's signal and almost sighed with relief. Perhaps she could assist Chenoan where Xanth could not. At the very least, she could get her fiance out of Xanth's Throne Room.
At the sight of Sacha coming to protect her, Xanth did not know whether to be grateful or amused. She had suspected the cheetah would be attracted to Nymphadora in the way of familiars when she saw them together and the bond was strong. Because of that, she allowed him freedoms none of the other animals inhabiting the Temple claimed and yet he had never been one of 'hers'. Her creation, perhaps, but he had always been distant, even more so once he was bonded to Dora. To have him taking a defensive stance as her champion... It stole the thunder right from her lungs and she found her muscles easing.
Sacha, be at ease, she murmured, sparing a small smile for the Nymph.
#37
Posted 03 May 2007 - 03:45 AM
Just as Chenoan was about to leave, he heard the familiar growl of Dora's feline companion. Chenoan churred back as he took a submissive position to the beast. The cold, smooth surface pressed against Chenoan's chest as he laid down on it before rolling over. Any animal would know that Chenoan would cause no harm from his actions. This was an act of complete submission. And even if he was dominant, trying to portray dominance now would help no one. "I'm not an enemy, Sacha. I mean no harm." He said in his guttural response. Just then he heard Dora's call to the cat and his face turned o her, his expression one of embarrassed shock.
Quickly Chenoan looked to Xanth, his apologies in his eyes. Then he ported away to his bedroom, where hopefully no one would follow him as he sorted things out for himself.
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#38
Posted 07 May 2007 - 08:54 AM
Nymphadora watched wide eyed as Chenoan took a submissive position to someone who she'd called her friend. She'd never really... realized before. But Sacha was indeed an animal. A predator in fact. Maybe it was because he could speak to her, or the fact that she could understand him. Maybe it was his casual moments, when he was being calm or frisky. It could even be times like these when he stood up for someone he loved, putting himself in what he thought was danger just to protect them. But through all those times, she'd never really seen the beast within Sacha. Only the soul, and heart. Chenoan... unfortunately, he seemed to be on Sacha's threat list.
As she watched her boyfriend behaving... well... like an animal, Nymphadora realized just how much of Chenoans shifter side she didn't know. She'd only seen him take on his gryphon form, but never really talked about it. Then again, although she used her Ayad powers, they never really talked about her heritage either. Not in a long time anyway. When Chenoan turned and caught her raised look, she noticed his face turn flush, then he looked away, and ported.
Frowning, Nymphadora looked up at Xanth, curious to what had happened here. Moving forward, she clicked her fingers and Sacha came to rest by her side. Although Chenoan was her boyfriend, Sacha had done the right thing in her eyes. He was protecting Xanth, and although Nymphadora knew Chenoan would never harm the goddess, not that he could, Sacha was only acting on the fact that he felt his creator was being threatened. Stroking his head, Nymphadora smiled down at him, then looked up at Xanth.
Walking up to her, Nymphadora smiled softly, normally she'd move forward for a hug, but something just didn't feel right about it right now. Folding her hands in front of her, she smiled tenderly up at Xanth. Is everything alright? She said softly.
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